Psychiatrists in London, KY
![Photo of Anna Schoeneman, MSN, APRN-CN, PMHNP-B, CCRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d6110c8-ec86-46c6-9b81-d282977251fb/1/320x400.png)
Anna Schoeneman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN-CN, PMHNP-B, CCRN
Verified Verified
London, KY 40744
Mental health impacts everyone in a slightly different way. It is my goal to help you reach your mental health goals. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma, allow me to help you facilitate the best quality of life and help you reach your goals.
Mental health impacts everyone in a slightly different way. It is my goal to help you reach your mental health goals. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma, allow me to help you facilitate the best quality of life and help you reach your goals.
![Photo of Mary Rollins, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce9898a8-e631-47db-aacb-d4da3f161973/2/320x400.jpeg)
I won’t say that I necessarily have an “ideal” client. I chose to do what I do because I want to help people. I’m comfortable with any and all situations. My goal is to help people to be able to help themselves to meet the mental health goals they have set. I want to help spread positivity and decrease the stigma on mental health.
I won’t say that I necessarily have an “ideal” client. I chose to do what I do because I want to help people. I’m comfortable with any and all situations. My goal is to help people to be able to help themselves to meet the mental health goals they have set. I want to help spread positivity and decrease the stigma on mental health.
![Photo of Stephanie Sweeny - Stephanie Sweeny, Women's Mental Health Specialist, PMHNP, CNM, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20078a04-9b61-4e06-9ba7-49ea4f3e3dd9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Sweeny, Women's Mental Health Specialist
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CNM
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
London, KY 40744 (Online Only)
The services we provide are designed to alleviate emotional and mental health symptoms for women who feel alone and stuck and are experiencing emotional or mental health symptoms. As women, there is a need for support, guidance, and help to identify what is normal. Our providers strive to help you reach your goals and live a happy and fulfilling life.
The services we provide are designed to alleviate emotional and mental health symptoms for women who feel alone and stuck and are experiencing emotional or mental health symptoms. As women, there is a need for support, guidance, and help to identify what is normal. Our providers strive to help you reach your goals and live a happy and fulfilling life.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Rhonda Blevins - PsychMind Counseling and Psychiatry, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af4a17bf-9b97-4b02-b91d-21c3a6249dee/2/320x400.jpeg)
PsychMind Counseling and Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, KY 40475 (Online Only)
Welcome to PsychMind Counseling and Psychiatry, where all the mental health care services you need are accessible on your phone or computer. We know that getting appropriate care can be a challenge, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why scheduling you within 3-5 days and starting every appointment on time are two of the most important things to our practice. Working with the PsychMind team is also a gateway to learning how to manage your mental health confidently. We take the time to educate you on your diagnosis, providing resources to make sure you can take what you learn in the session and use it in daily life.
Welcome to PsychMind Counseling and Psychiatry, where all the mental health care services you need are accessible on your phone or computer. We know that getting appropriate care can be a challenge, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why scheduling you within 3-5 days and starting every appointment on time are two of the most important things to our practice. Working with the PsychMind team is also a gateway to learning how to manage your mental health confidently. We take the time to educate you on your diagnosis, providing resources to make sure you can take what you learn in the session and use it in daily life.
![Photo of Casey Mattingly, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e4f50ae0-0845-4330-a0bd-bbd49baaf796/1/320x400.jpeg)
Casey Mattingly is a Medication Provider, who has been practicing since 2020. She graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a Master's Degree in Nursing. Casey believes patient should be involved in their care and be an advocate for themselves. Her main areas of focus include depression, anxiety, and postpartum depression/anxiety. In her spare time, Casey enjoys fishing with her husband and playing with her son.
Casey Mattingly is a Medication Provider, who has been practicing since 2020. She graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a Master's Degree in Nursing. Casey believes patient should be involved in their care and be an advocate for themselves. Her main areas of focus include depression, anxiety, and postpartum depression/anxiety. In her spare time, Casey enjoys fishing with her husband and playing with her son.
![Photo of Leigh (Ann) Gebhardt, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c62f1afe-5f23-4de0-8ff0-807c6f4e5e9d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Leigh Ann Gebhardt, PMHNP Leigh Ann Gebhardt is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2018. She has a BSN (Nursing), an MSN (Nursing Education), an MSN (Family Nurse Practitioner), an MSN Certification (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), and Juris Doctorate. Leigh Ann believes in a wholistic approach of healthcare and tries to partner with patients to help provide treatment that supports optimal healthcare outcomes.
Leigh Ann Gebhardt, PMHNP Leigh Ann Gebhardt is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2018. She has a BSN (Nursing), an MSN (Nursing Education), an MSN (Family Nurse Practitioner), an MSN Certification (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), and Juris Doctorate. Leigh Ann believes in a wholistic approach of healthcare and tries to partner with patients to help provide treatment that supports optimal healthcare outcomes.
![Photo of Danielle Bass, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7b255f8e-6500-446f-be24-866ca9e1c1b6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Danielle Bass
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40504 (Online Only)
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2021. I have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from Walden University, and A BSN degree from Galen College of Nursing. I am currently working towards earning a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at Capella University.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2021. I have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from Walden University, and A BSN degree from Galen College of Nursing. I am currently working towards earning a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at Capella University.
![Photo of Isabel Jones, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf7a41af-f9e9-4318-bf05-634908e36e14/1/320x400.jpeg)
Isabel Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40511
Hello. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in nursing and psychiatry across the lifespan. I believe that mental health is as important as physical health. I am committed to providing client centered care and believe that successful treatment involves a collaboration between provider and client.
Hello. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in nursing and psychiatry across the lifespan. I believe that mental health is as important as physical health. I am committed to providing client centered care and believe that successful treatment involves a collaboration between provider and client.
![Photo of Cheryl Lynn Marrs, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a40a9915-d1a7-46c2-892e-64e27fc8809b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cheryl Lynn Marrs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40503
We are not born with the skills to handle life or our emotions. If we did not have people surrounding us as we grew who knew these skills and could teach us, then we did whatever we could to get through the emotion or situation we were faced with. This continued and evolved over time-maybe it changed into substance use, maybe into chronic dishonesty, or maybe we just tried to disappear into the background. Eventually these coping skills stopped working and we become desperate for the pain to stop. This is the perfect time a person can completely change their life and become who they were meant to be. THIS is the second chance!
We are not born with the skills to handle life or our emotions. If we did not have people surrounding us as we grew who knew these skills and could teach us, then we did whatever we could to get through the emotion or situation we were faced with. This continued and evolved over time-maybe it changed into substance use, maybe into chronic dishonesty, or maybe we just tried to disappear into the background. Eventually these coping skills stopped working and we become desperate for the pain to stop. This is the perfect time a person can completely change their life and become who they were meant to be. THIS is the second chance!
![Photo of Sandra Edwards, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/88245594-7f20-4f85-9b8f-68e993c48f06/1/320x400.png)
Hello, I'm Sandra Edwards APRN, PMHNP-BC. I began my career in nursing in 1991 and obtained my MSN with a focus on Psychiatry in 2020. I have been practicing since that time seeing patients across the lifespan. I practice a Holistic approach to mental healthcare. I believe it is important to understand the impact whether negative or positive each patient's physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing and challenges impact their mental health. I work with individuals across the lifespan. I have experience with mood disorders, personality disorders and substance use disorder.
Hello, I'm Sandra Edwards APRN, PMHNP-BC. I began my career in nursing in 1991 and obtained my MSN with a focus on Psychiatry in 2020. I have been practicing since that time seeing patients across the lifespan. I practice a Holistic approach to mental healthcare. I believe it is important to understand the impact whether negative or positive each patient's physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing and challenges impact their mental health. I work with individuals across the lifespan. I have experience with mood disorders, personality disorders and substance use disorder.
![Photo of Rebecca Feck, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90dc63a0-a975-49d9-8bcd-f85e00285797/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Feck
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40513
I am passionate about Mental Healthcare and assisting you in gaining the quality of life you deserve. I believe that through accurate diagnosis and medication management all clients will begin to realize thier personal self worth, believe in their full potential and reach thier individual mental health goals. I practice a holistic approach to mental health by utilizing safe effective medication treatment of your symptoms and educating you regarding your diagnosis and individual treatment plan. By creating a partnership with each client, a level of “teamwork” can be achieved culminating in the best therapeutic outcome for you.
I am passionate about Mental Healthcare and assisting you in gaining the quality of life you deserve. I believe that through accurate diagnosis and medication management all clients will begin to realize thier personal self worth, believe in their full potential and reach thier individual mental health goals. I practice a holistic approach to mental health by utilizing safe effective medication treatment of your symptoms and educating you regarding your diagnosis and individual treatment plan. By creating a partnership with each client, a level of “teamwork” can be achieved culminating in the best therapeutic outcome for you.
![Photo of Dr. Cody B. Pittman - Healing Neurons Psychiatry, LLC, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0eb9b3c2-4bac-4c60-a5c9-e0dabbca8b87/1/320x400.jpeg)
Healing Neurons Psychiatry, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bardstown, KY 40004
Serving ALL of Kentucky! Hello! Welcome to Healing Neurons Psychiatry, where we are healing the mind for a better tomorrow. We all know how difficult managing stress, anxiety, depression, and everyday life can be. However, you don't have to do it alone!
Serving ALL of Kentucky! Hello! Welcome to Healing Neurons Psychiatry, where we are healing the mind for a better tomorrow. We all know how difficult managing stress, anxiety, depression, and everyday life can be. However, you don't have to do it alone!
![Photo of Brittany Robinson, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a0d43fa-d330-40e3-8f96-8ba16de76427/3/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Robinson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40513
As a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a passion for holistic healing, I am dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to mental wellness. I offer psychiatric evaluations with medication management and specialize in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood disorders. My therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that true healing occurs when we address the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
As a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a passion for holistic healing, I am dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to mental wellness. I offer psychiatric evaluations with medication management and specialize in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood disorders. My therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that true healing occurs when we address the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
![Photo of Rebecca O'Hair, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89e70858-aa75-4bac-b96c-4c1ca8e399de/1/320x400.jpeg)
becca is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing with Lifestance since 2021. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with her MSN - APRN. Rebecca believes that listening to the patient is one of the most important parts of developing a good working relationship. Equally important is including the patient in the development of the plan of care and helping them understand all of the options available to them. Particular areas of interest include depression, anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders.
becca is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing with Lifestance since 2021. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with her MSN - APRN. Rebecca believes that listening to the patient is one of the most important parts of developing a good working relationship. Equally important is including the patient in the development of the plan of care and helping them understand all of the options available to them. Particular areas of interest include depression, anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders.
![Photo of Dawn Glowatz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aafc4786-8a90-4cc4-b0ee-24706b288ab2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dawn Glowatz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40504 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Dawn and I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with 13 years of experience treating and working with clients of all ages. I believe that the relationship between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and the clients she serves is a partnership of trust and understanding.
Hi! I'm Dawn and I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with 13 years of experience treating and working with clients of all ages. I believe that the relationship between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and the clients she serves is a partnership of trust and understanding.
![Photo of David Njong Chindo, DNP, PMNP-BC, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef63c978-9e64-469a-a934-2e74d1d8719a/1/320x400.png)
David Njong Chindo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMNP-BC, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40509 (Online Only)
Dr. Chindo is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has over 5 years of experience working with individuals with various mental health disorders, across the lifespan and with diverse groups of people. Dr. Chindo diagnose, treat, manage, and prescribe medications to treat various mental health disorders to include anxiety, depression and PTSD. His approach to psychiatric treatment combines therapeutic feedback coupled with the use of medication management to enable individuals to function at the best of their ability. "I believe in the “wholeness” of a person, and that laughter/happiness is always one of
Dr. Chindo is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has over 5 years of experience working with individuals with various mental health disorders, across the lifespan and with diverse groups of people. Dr. Chindo diagnose, treat, manage, and prescribe medications to treat various mental health disorders to include anxiety, depression and PTSD. His approach to psychiatric treatment combines therapeutic feedback coupled with the use of medication management to enable individuals to function at the best of their ability. "I believe in the “wholeness” of a person, and that laughter/happiness is always one of
![Photo of Krista Thompson, APRN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bfbdc292-280a-43df-9a86-6b821c8a7ec6/2/320x400.png)
Krista Thompson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Springfield, KY 40069
Are you looking for a caring, unique approach to your overall mental and physical wellness? Have you experienced a traumatic event or recent loss, or feel like you're not coping well emotionally with life stressors? Are you struggling to set healthy boundaries with loved ones or trying to break a harmful generational cycle? Do you feel stuck, like you're not managing as well as you wish you were? I'm a professional psychiatric nurse practitioner and faithful Christian with a great deal of life experience. I offer a quiet, serene place where self-motivated women can find help and sound counsel in a non-judgmental, caring environment.
Are you looking for a caring, unique approach to your overall mental and physical wellness? Have you experienced a traumatic event or recent loss, or feel like you're not coping well emotionally with life stressors? Are you struggling to set healthy boundaries with loved ones or trying to break a harmful generational cycle? Do you feel stuck, like you're not managing as well as you wish you were? I'm a professional psychiatric nurse practitioner and faithful Christian with a great deal of life experience. I offer a quiet, serene place where self-motivated women can find help and sound counsel in a non-judgmental, caring environment.
![Photo of Shirley Beth Hicks, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6b91815-b363-4ad6-84a2-16defe786b6b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Beth Hicks is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2020. Beth always shows clients empathy for what they've been through and shows personal interest in their care. She builds a good rapport that is healthy and caring. Outside of work, Beth loves yoga, cooking new recipes, traveling, and reading.
Beth Hicks is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2020. Beth always shows clients empathy for what they've been through and shows personal interest in their care. She builds a good rapport that is healthy and caring. Outside of work, Beth loves yoga, cooking new recipes, traveling, and reading.
![Photo of Shakaola Pinero, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/030878ea-8712-472b-bd28-d7ab0f4b292c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shakaola Pinero
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40504 (Online Only)
Shakaola is an Intuitive Nurse Practitioner with 14 years of experience in mental health and 11 years of experience as a Provider treating adults. She received her Masters from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Shakaola takes a holistic approach in caring for her clients.
Shakaola is an Intuitive Nurse Practitioner with 14 years of experience in mental health and 11 years of experience as a Provider treating adults. She received her Masters from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Shakaola takes a holistic approach in caring for her clients.
![Photo of Promise Haynes - Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2cb89e3-0e79-4be0-aaaf-65ef63057d2e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40504 (Online Only)
Providing appointments 100% online. Accepting new patients with insurance from anywhere in the state of New York or Kentucky! Cash payment is also available. Do you feel lost in a room full of darkness? Is it hard to get out of bed in the morning? Have you lost joy in what used to be important to you? Are you suffering from anxiety that is preventing you from living your life to the fullest? We can help! At Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness we want to help you find the light in the darkness and bring hope and healing.
Providing appointments 100% online. Accepting new patients with insurance from anywhere in the state of New York or Kentucky! Cash payment is also available. Do you feel lost in a room full of darkness? Is it hard to get out of bed in the morning? Have you lost joy in what used to be important to you? Are you suffering from anxiety that is preventing you from living your life to the fullest? We can help! At Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness we want to help you find the light in the darkness and bring hope and healing.
See more therapy options for London
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in London, KY
< 10
Psychiatrists in London, KY who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
67% | Addiction |
67% | ADHD |
67% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
3 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Medicaid |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in London, KY see their clients
67% | In Person and Online | |
33% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in London?
The Psychology Today Directory enables you to search specifically for psychiatrists, using the drop down provider menu in the navigation bar, by city or zip code, or by the name of the psychiatrist. Search results provide detailed profiles of professionals, including their treatment approach and areas of expertise. In addition, listings provide important information about each psychiatrist’s credentials, fees, payment options, and insurance affiliations. Directory users can select psychiatrists who meet an array of personally-desired criteria, such as familiarity with a specific community or condition.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists who focus on understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to recognize the often-subtle biological causes of mental disorders and to monitor the effects of mental disturbances on physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychologists are especially attuned to the influence of early experience on development and behavior, emotional and cognitive processes, the nature of personality, and social functioning. They are also trained to deploy an array of psychological tests—IQ tests, personality tests, behavioral assessments—to gauge a person’s functioning.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, also known as a mental health nurse practitioner, is a registered nurse who completes advanced training in psychiatric care, earning either a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, and in the U.S., passes a national certification exam. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. In some locales, psychiatric nurse practitioners can offer the full range of psychiatric care, including prescribing and managing medication. In other places, they must work in collaboration with a physician.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed psychiatrist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. All psychiatrists listed in the directory have a valid license issued by the state(s) in which they practice and are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some individuals or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who are trained to recognize the many ways body processes affect the functioning of the brain and mind. As physicians, they can prescribe medication. Patients who are prescribed medications will typically need to continue to see a psychiatrist so that the effects of the medication can be monitored. For many psychiatric conditions, including common disorders such as anxiety and depression, the preferred treatment is combination therapy—medication accompanied by psychotherapy.
Do psychiatrists offer therapy?
Psychiatrists are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and, increasingly, somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations. While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most sessions with a psychiatrist may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management. Many psychiatrists who do not offer psychotherapy work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians and can refer clients seeking talk therapy to those providers.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the physician may review their medical history or perform medical tests to determine whether biological factors are involved before making a referral. It is not necessary for a person to know precisely what type of care they need in order to seek help. Many psychiatrists and psychologists refer clients to each other depending on client needs.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
A referral to a psychiatrist is often not required. However, seeing your primary care physician first can be helpful and actually prove to be a shortcut to getting what you need. Your PCP may have a clear idea whether psychiatric help is needed and/or which kind of mental health care would be most beneficial and refer you to the right type of practitioner. For that reason alone, some psychiatrists require a referral. Further, many insurance plans require a referral from a PCP if they cover all of part of the cost of seeing a specialist; if, however, you are paying out of pocket, you may not need a referral. In any case, a referral may speed the process of securing an appointment with a psychiatrist, especially in areas where there is a shortage of mental health specialists and new patients face long waits for appointments.